For years, vending was synonymous with a quick fix on the go, with machines offering consumers access to high-quality food and drinks, whether in the office, on a train station platform or at the doctor’s office. Now, they’re becoming a staple on a night out, as consumers increasingly seek experiences that are fun, interactive and tinged with nostalgia.

And so, the appeal of a vending machine lies in the fusion of convenience and novelty, offering a way to order drinks that feels as entertaining as it is efficient. David Llewellyn, CEO of the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA), explores how this shift is reshaping hospitality.

Hospitality vending in action

In East London, for example, a newly opened bar called All My Gods has installed a vending machine that dispenses the increasingly popular BuzzBallz cocktails, while its £8 house martini is dispensed from a repurposed Jägermeister machine (dubbed the 'Martininator'). This not only adds to the customer experience but also gives the bar a unique differentiator.

In a slightly different setting, the owners of a dairy farm in Warwickshire are using vending machines to dispense pasteurised milk directly to customers, alongside a selection of coffee and cakes. They say it has helped the farm diversify and stay afloat – keeping the milk fresh while allowing customers to stop by at any time, without the need for a full storefront.

Driving experiences through technology

As digital systems advance, bars, clubs and hospitality operators are realising that vending can deliver far more than convenience; it can create memorable interactions.

Touchscreen displays, cashless and contactless payments, and even data-driven product suggestions are transforming what was once a routine purchase into an interactive moment. Instead of feeling purely transactional, the act of using a vending machine is now becoming part of the guest journey.

Some venues are taking it further and investing in immersive vending. We’ve seen some that have introduced gamified elements and QR codes that unlock exclusive perks and even some machines that are linked to social media campaigns, turning a simple purchase into a shareable moment.

In nightlife settings where theatre is valued, this blurs the line between service and entertainment, thereby strengthening the emotional connection between venues and their guests. These elements, combined with great food or drink, are what keep people coming back.

Why vending works in hospitality settings

Hospitality thrives on being there when customers want and need it. Vending machines deliver on that promise with reliability and round-the-clock service. Whether it’s a clubgoer grabbing a late-night cocktail or a hotel guest looking for a quick pick-me-up, machines provide effortless access without demanding extra resources or extending staff shifts.

Vending also plays a valuable role in complementing, rather than replacing, human staff. By handling straightforward transactions, it frees service teams to focus on higher-value interactions, such as crafting bespoke drinks or delivering engaging, personalised service.

Behind the scenes, improved monitoring systems and real-time stock alerts ensure reliability, even in fast-paced environments. Venues can trust machines to flag replenishment needs during peak hours, providing steady support when staff are most stretched.

The future of vending in hospitality

Vending is poised to become a powerful extension of the hospitality brand experience. Rather than being viewed as a simple point of sale, machines can be designed and integrated as touchpoints along the customer journey.

That said, the path forward is not without challenges. Compliance with alcohol licensing and responsible drinking laws remains a key consideration, particularly with machines placed in late-night venues. While these regulations are non-negotiable, emerging tools such as age-verification and ID-recognition systems (for example Yoti or GoodID) can help operators meet these requirements more effectively. Operators must also remain mindful of general vending safety requirements, ensuring secure installation to minimise risks.

Equally important is customer trust. For machines to succeed in hospitality spaces, guests must feel confident that what they receive matches the venue’s reputation. There’s also the question of balance: while automation can drive efficiency, the essence of nightlife and hospitality is social connection. Machines should complement, not replace, the personality, charisma and craft that human staff bring to the experience.

Collectively, these factors point to a promising future. No longer confined to office corridors, vending is becoming an imaginative, branded and interactive feature of hospitality and entertainment. By blending convenience and novelty with technology and experience, it is carving out a new role as both a service solution and a cultural moment in today’s hospitality landscape.